halfguard

so, i finally broke down and got my API master test kit. (before i had test strips) to get you up to date. ive had my 10 gall tank for about 8 weeks and i have 2 platys.

ammonia 1
pH 6.6
nitrite .5
nitrate 10

hpw far off do you guys think i am to getting this thing cycled?

agabr123

you should be pretty close since you're seeing nitrate, wait for your ammonia to drop to zero, then your nitrite to drop to zero, and your nitrates to be between 5ppm and 20ppm and you're done!

Mike19

keep doing those daily water changes until ammonia=0 nitrites=0 and some nitrates present. are you using prime?, its a great product which detoxifies ammonia for 24hrs just enough time to conduct your next water change.

halfguard

im using prime and doing about 40% water changes daily

docjr03

I'm surprised you're not further along after 8 weeks... I hope you get there soon, daily water changes for 2 months has got to be getting tiresome!

(I've been doing 10 gallons a day for about a month now and should be done soon)

halfguard

it took me a while to learn and start doing the right things.

Shawnie

took me 9 weeks to cycle a 75 gal with fish I so dont miss those water changes daily LOL

im curious as to what your tests were before you got the master kit? were they different readings from the test strips ?

pepetj

Maybe cut a bit the feeding. Feeding sparingly for a few days would harm no one.

Other than that, in my opinion, you are close to get this done. Once it's over, you'll feel great on the effort to pull this through.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

BlowPhish

Another thing you can try to speed things is to add more surface area in your filter. Such as a small bag of bio balls. This will give the good bacteria more places to grow and will help keep your water in good shape.